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Best of the Matterhorn Trek

Best of the Matterhorn Trek
Best of the Matterhorn Trek
Best of the Matterhorn Trek
Best of the Matterhorn Trek
Best of the Matterhorn Trek

Join an exciting hut-to-hut trek in the Swiss Alps and explore the gorgeous mountain region that surrounds the famous Matterhorn!

Group

Alps

4 Days

Jun - Sep

High

Intermediate


Highlights

  • Join like-minded adventurers on a fun trekking experience in the Swiss Alps.
  • Spend several days in the mountains and sleep in cozy huts with great views.
  • Find the best angles to photograph the beautiful Matterhorn.

Description

Discover amazing views of the iconic Matterhorn on this unforgettable 4-day trekking adventure. Join a group of like-minded explorers and hike through the beautiful Swiss Alps. Spend the night in cozy mountain huts and enjoy a unique experience that you will forever treasure.

Price includes

  • Accommodation included
  • Guiding fee
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Price details

  • PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
  • Lunches
  • Drinks
  • Sleeping bag liner (available to purchase)
  • Walking poles (available to rent)
  • Flights
  • Personal/travel/rescue insurance

Itinerary

Day 1: Europa Hut

Meeting place: Randa, on the train line to Zermatt, at 2:30 pm.

Hike: rugged forest trail to Europa Hut. Panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. 

Overnight: Europa hut. B/D

Altitude: 2220m

Day 2: Europa Hut to Täschalp (via Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge)

Hike:  crossing of the Charles Kuonen suspension bridge. At 494m long, it’s the longest hanging suspension bridge in the Alps!

Hike along the Europaweg balcony trail to the Täschalp mountain hut.

Overnight: Täschalp mountain hut. B/D

Day 3: Täschalp to Ze Seewjinu

Hike: along the trail towards the Matterhorn, amazing views of the iconic mountain.

Overnight: Ze Seewinjinu mountain hut. B/D.

Day 4: Ze Seewjinu Hut to Zermatt

Hike: tour of the 5 lakes and descent to Zermatt.

Farewell: You will be back in time for the train back to the airport, either Geneva, Zurich, or Milan, arrival by 6 pm.

 

Details

More info

Frequently Asked Questions

Q - How do I join a group on the Best of the Matterhorn Trek?

You can select one of the published dates and inquire about availability with us. We will be able to tell you if there are still available spots on the dates that you are interested in and advise you about other group dates we may decide to open.

Q - What experience do I need for this Matterhorn trek?

The Best of the Matterhorn Trek is an intermediate hiking adventure with no special technical difficulties. It’s important that you be in good physical shape and be able to walk for several hours, and in uphill conditions.

Q - How much does it cost to join this trek and what does it include?

The price to join the trek will vary depending on whether you join a group or decide on a private guiding option, you can find group prices detailed in the price section, and inquire with us about private guiding options.

Generally, joining a group is a great alternative for solo travelers and small groups of two or three people as it is cheaper and you get to share the adventure with other like-minded explorers. Private options are great if you would like a more personalized experience or if you are already traveling in your own group.

The group price for the Matterhorn trek includes the guiding service and half-board accommodation in the mountain huts along the way (breakfast + dinner).

Q - How long does the Matterhorn trek last?

The Matterhorn trek takes place over four days, which is the ideal time to really immerse yourself in the gorgeous Swiss Alps and truly enjoy all of the amazing places that we will visit on the way.

Q - What happens if we get bad weather or the conditions aren’t right on the days of the ascent?

If the weather is bad, or the conditions aren’t adequate to carry out the trek safely, then you can choose an alternative or change the date of your trek. If these options don’t suit you, then you will get a partial refund minus the fees.

Q - What's the closest airport?

You can get to Randa from a variety of places. Lugano (LUG) Airport is 87.4 km away. Milan Malpensa (MXP) is 89.1 km away. Geneva (GVA) is 129.9 km away. Zurich (ZRH) is 161.4 km away.

Q - What are the huts like?

During the hike, you will be staying in lovely and cozy mountain huts that are included in the price. Breakfast and dinner are included as well. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know in advance.

Meeting point

Randa train station, on the Visp-Zermatt line.

Equipment you will need to bring

Suitable summer hiking clothing and footwear. Sleeping bag liner (available to purchase) 25/30L backpack Walking poles (available to rent) * A full kit list will be provided on booking


FAQs

What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?

The average distance and altitude gain each day is given below. Please note that times are approximate and will vary from group to group. Routes may also vary slightly if the guide deems it necessary due to conditions or the group's overall need.

Day 1 - 3hrs30mins, 4.5km, 815m ascent, 80m descent

Day 2 - 7hrs, 12km, 1250m ascent, 800m descent

Day 3 - 8hrs30mins, 17.2km, 980m ascent, 1060m descent

Day 4 - 4hrs30mins, 12.7km, 170m ascent, 1190m descent

What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

You do not require hut-to-hut hiking experience to join this trip. It is however helpful if you have experience hiking and a reasonable level of fitness. You need to be able to hike for up to 8 hours carrying a rucksack. It is recommended that you train for this trip and become comfortable carrying a rucksack weighing 5-7kg. A positive attitude will go a long way to helping you get the most out of this trip.

Our trip is designed for adults (18+). As long as you are fit and able, age doesn't matter. We accept children from 16 years with an adult.

This is the least challenging of the 4-day treks that we offer, but is does come with some exposure, so a head for heights is a benefit.

How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?

Your guide will meet you in Randa, in the Zermatt valley.

The best way to get to our meeting point in Randa is by train. These run regularly and connect to the mainline routes to Geneva and Zurich airports. Please use www.sbb.ch for information on trains.

Parking is also available should you wish to use it.

How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?

Our accommodation is in mountain huts along the route. Rooms are mixed, dormitory style with shared bathrooms. Private room supplements are not available on this trip. Showers, snacks and electricity are available, sometimes at an extra cost. Not all huts have wifi.

Evening meals are 3-course set menus. All huts do their best to meet dietary needs. Please let us know ahead of time so that we are able to communicate any requests with the huts. Breakfast is buffet style.

Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?

Everyone should be insured. If, in the event of an accident, you should need to be rescued from the mountain, the bills can add up to a small fortune. Even a quick visit to a hospital can be expensive if you're not insured. You should be insured up to 3000m.

There are no special permits or vaccines required for this trip. Should you require a visa to enter Switzerland, please ensure you arrange this in good time.

What is the best time of the year for this hike?

This hike is a summer season hike. The huts open on the final weekend of June, and generally close mid-September.

Can I join a group?

Of course! Our groups operate at a maximum size of 14. They are generally made up from a mix of small groups, couples and single travellers.

What happens in the event of bad weather?

Be sure that you are prepared for bad weather. You should have good waterproofs and warm layers in your backpack. In many cases you will continue with the hike.

Should the guide assess the weather to be severe with the potential of risk to the group, they will adjust the route.

What Should I Pack?

Documents

• Passport

• Travel insurance details

• Boarding passes for flights

• Cash – Euro and Swiss Franc 150 Euros and 150 CHF each person.

• Credit/Debit Card

Sleeping

• Sleeping bag liner (you can buy for 25 CHF from your guide)

Footwear

• Trekking boots: 3 or 4-season lightweight

• Lightweight shoes for the evenings (such as flip-flops, sandals, etc.)

Clothing

Please bring non-cotton, fast-drying clothing for trekking.

• 2 T-shirts for the hike

• 1 pair of hiking trousers: we recommend a pair that zip off into shorts.

• 4 pairs of socks for hiking

• 3 - 4 pairs of underwear

• Optional fleece

• Light, down or Primaloft jacket

• Rain and windproof jacket with hood

• Rain and windproof trousers

• Comfortable trousers for the evening

• 1 comfortable top for the evening

• Light Weight Hat and gloves

• Bathing suit (optional)

Other

• A daysack: 35 - 45 litres – all your kit should fit in this bag

• Walking poles. These are available to rent for 10 CHF. You can get them from your guide on arrival.

• Travel towel

• Dry Liner or Dry Bag

• Water bottle/s: At least 2L

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen and additional sun protection such as a baseball cap or similar

• Personal medication – Inhaler, Blister pads, etc

• General toiletries, Contact lenses, and Glasses (if needed)

• Electronics - Phone, charging cable & USB plug (Swiss compatible ones are available to purchase)

• Lipsalve

Do I have to carry everything? Are there luggage transfers? Is there luggage storage?

Yes, you need to carry everything you require for the trip. There are no luggage transfers available on this trip. Should you have extra luggage it is possible to leave it with the hotel at our meet point. Your guide will help you to arrange this. Alternatively, if you are staying nearby before your trip, check if your accommodation will store you luggage for you.

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration
Hotel Artemis Saas Fee Switzerland
See rooms
Hotel Europa Saas Fee Switzerland
See rooms
Hotel Dufour Saas Fee Switzerland
See rooms

About the guide

Guide profile image

Alps

4.8

(57)

Guide Agency

We are Tom (UIMLA Mountain Leader) and Paul (UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide), two friends who have worked in the outdoors for over 20 years each.

We have lived around the world and have an incredible wealth of outdoor experience and qualifications. We all love, work and play in the Swiss Alps.

We love sharing our local environment with guests and helping them to get the best out of their holidays. We have trips going out most weeks so come and join us or contact us if you would like something similar on a different date.

Languages

Norwegian | French | English

Certificates

UIMLA | UIAGM | IFMGA

Request more information

What people are saying about this trip

Sylwia

Trip around Matterhorn was amazing, sometimes challenging but unforgettable, Ben have a excellent knowledge and make the trip easier and set the group together, really great experiences and I can’t wait for next one!

Sylwia

Trip around Matterhorn was amazing, sometimes challenging but unforgettable, Ben have a excellent knowledge and make the trip easier and set the group together, really great experiences and I can’t wait for next one!

Laura

A fantastic experience every single day of this trek. Some hard portions balanced by some more leisurely scenic portions. Ben was a wonderful guide who was attentive, knowledgeable and charming. Highly recommend booking with Alps Adventures and choosing Ben as your guide.

M.

Matterhorn Highlights. What an amazing experience, hiking hut to hut. The guides, Lolette and Bill, were very experienced, friendly and knowledgeable. The food was really good, stunning scenery... just lovely walking with a really great bunch of people..

Christina

I did the Matterhorn Highlight Trek and had an incredible experience. Ben, our guide, was super knowledgeable and helpful throughout the whole experience. Ben kept our group laughing and supporting each other each day. The views, the huts, the food - all exceeded my expectations. This was my first time booking with alp adventures and it definitely won’t be my last.


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